Improvement in bustles



ELLEN J'. HAM.

Patented Aug.15, 1876.

lHIliY llTllll NFETERS. PIlOTO-UTHOGRAPMER. WASHINGTON. D C

NI'IED STATES ATENT QFFICE ELLEN J. HAM, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

IMPROVEMENT lN BUSTLES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 18 1,068, dated August 15, 1876; application filed December 29, 1875.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ELLEN- J. HAM, of the city, county, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Bustles and Skeleton-Skirts, of which the following is a specification:

This invention relates to the ordinaryforms of bustles and skirts, in which the frame is formed of a series of elastic or spring bands, usually of metal, and covered with cloth, or braided or woven covering; and it consists in the addition, to the usual metal bands and springs, of two or more arched springs or bands, which are arranged and applied as and for the purposes as will be hereinafter fully pointed out and described.

The drawing, which forms an essential part of this specification, represents a side elevation of a bustle or skirt in which is fully embodied my invention.

In the common form and construction of bustles and skeleton skirts, much difficulty and annoyance is caused to the wearer by the breaking down of the upper part when sitting down, or from any undue pressure that may be applied to it from any cause, also from a tendency of the lower part to creep up. These troubles soon destroy the perfect form of the bustle or skirt, destroy its usefulness, and render it unfit for wear.

It is to remedy these evils, and to produce a bustle or skirt that will retain its shape and return to the same after any derangement, that I have made my present invention.

a, b, c, d, e, f, g, and h represent the usual metal bands or springs, forming the frame of the bustle or skirt in the ordinary manner; and A and B, the usual two cross-bands inserted in the upper part thereof. D is the usual perpendicular band on the front at both sides, all of which are attached together by means of suitable fastenings, and covered with muslin or other material, in the usual man- 1161- Oloth bands and straps, 850., are also provided for attaching the bustle or skirt to the person of the wearer, and it may be ornamented with the usual trimmings.

In addition to the two cross-bandsAand B in the upper portion of the frame, I insert another band or top arched spring, 0, which extends from the front of the bustle on one side at the band 0, and is carried up and over the top of the bustle in the form of a bow down to the band 0 on the other side. This will effectually prevent any breaking down of the upper portion of the bustle, and preventing the breaking of the other bands in the frame.

In case of any crushing from any cause, the use of this arched spring will at once cause it to return to its proper position on removal of the pressure or strain.

In the lower portion of the bustle or skirt, in addition to the usual bands and central perpendicular band F at the rear, I insert an arched band or spring, G, which may extend from the base-band hat the front of the bustle or skirt in the form of a bow up to and below the band a, and down on the opposite side to the base-band h.

Both of these arched springs G and G are attached to the other bands, and become part of the frame, and they may be increased in number, if desired.

This lower arched spring will serve to keep the bustle down in its place, and will effectually prevent its creeping up when the wearer is sitting down. It also insures the perfect shape of the hustle, and adds to its buoyancy.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a bustle, in combination with the usual bands and springs forming the frame thereof, the arched or bowed spring 0, extending over the top of the bustle, and terminating at the front on both sides thereof, as and for the purposes as herein shown and set forth.

2. In a bustle or skirt, divided into two parts or sections, in combination with the usual bands and springs forming the frames thereof, the spring G, extending from the front and base on both sides, in the form of a bow or arch, to a point forming the apex of the lower section, usually about one-halfthe height of the skirt, substantially as herein shown and set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 24th day of November, A. D.

ELLEN J. HAM. In presence of- A. L. MUNsoN, JAMES JENNINGS. 

